News

12/13/2016 - Recent Coyote Attacks In Darien

Date: December 13, 2016

Re: Recent Coyote Attacks In Darien

Issued by: Det. Sgt. Jeremiah
P. Marron Jr.

For Immediate Release

The Darien Police Department and the Municipal Animal
Control Officer (MACO) have received several recent reports from residents
about coyote sightings and some attacks on pets. Over the past two weeks, there have been two
reports of small dogs being attacked in the northern section of Darien. In one of the incidents, the dog was killed.

As coyotes have become more common and occasionally prey on
small pets, public concerns about coyotes attacking people, especially
children, have increased. Although some coyotes may exhibit bold behavior near
people, Animal Control Officer Chip Stahl states “Coyote attacks on humans are
extremely rare, however aggressive behavior toward small dogs is common and
more prevalent during the breeding season which typically runs from January to
February.” This risk can increase if
coyotes are intentionally fed and then learn to associate people and their
residences with food. Follow the tips below to increase the safety of pets,
enhance human safety, and learn how to coexist with coyotes.

The
following is provided by the CT DEEP Wildlife Division:

Tips
on Preventing Conflicts with Coyotes:

DO NOT
allow pets to run free! Keep cats indoors, particularly at night, and
small dogs on a leash or under close supervision at all times. The
installation of a kennel or coyote-proof fencing is a long-term solution
for protecting pets. A variety of livestock fencing and small animal pen
designs can protect farm animals.

NEVER
feed coyotes! DO NOT place food out for any mammals. Clean up bird seed
below feeders, pet foods, and fallen fruit. Secure garbage and compost in
animal proof containers.

Always
walk dogs on a leash. If approached by a coyote while walking your dog,
keep the dog under control and calmly leave the area. DO NOT run or turn
your back. Coyotes are territorial and many reports of bold coyotes
visiting yards, howling, or threatening larger dogs can often be
attributed to this territorial behavior.

Be
aware of any coyote behaving abnormally or exhibiting unusually bold
behavior (e.g., approaching people for food, attacking leashed pets that
are with their owners, stalking children, chasing joggers or bikers,
etc.) and report these incidents to authorities immediately.

Be
aware of and report any coyotes exhibiting behavior indicative of rabies,
such as staggering, seizures, and extreme lethargy. Daytime activity is
not uncommon and does not necessarily indicate rabies.

Teach
children to recognize coyotes and to go inside the house (do not run) or
climb up on a swing or deck and yell if they are approached.

Close
off crawl spaces under porches and sheds that coyotes or other animals may
use.

Educate
your neighbors. Ask them to follow these same steps.

Regulated
hunting and trapping may be used to remove problem coyotes in areas where
it is safe and legal to do so.

Contact
the DEP Wildlife Division at 860-424-3011 for more information on coyotes
or other wildlife problems.